Dave and the Europeans

Richard over at EUReferendum takes a couple of pot shots at tomorrow's mini conference in Brussels. And even Tory Diary has its doubts.

This is it. This is the great statement on Europe that will ensure that those of a sceptic disposition keep the faith with Dave and chums.

So what are they getting for their money?
Here is the Conference introduction,

Fifty years ago, a generation joined together to lay the foundations for the European Union. It was their response to the urgent challenges they faced: a divided Continent; economies ruined by war.

OK, but meaningless waffle.

Now it is our generation’s turn to lead. We welcome this opportunity, and we want to create a Europe that people can be proud of. But the Europe we are inheriting has become too inward-looking and inflexible, and is losing peoples’ trust. The EU needs to change if it is to be a force for good in the world in the 21st century.

A Europe that people can be proud of. Admirable. Europe is inward-looking and inflexible! You don't say.

Twenty seven member states must now decide what we want ‘European Union’ to mean. When should states act together, and when are they more effective – and better off – acting independently? In the age of globalisation, how should the EU add value?

Sounding a little better, though taking it as read that the EU is necessary. So are there any areas that are to be discussed where the great Dave believes we are better of alone?

Many of the challenges we face today are global: competition from emerging economies, environmental and energy concerns, millions locked in poverty in the developing world. The EU’s response to these challenges will determine its success in the future. Today’s conference will examine these issues and begin the process of charting an exciting new course for Europe’s future.

Aha, so the areas that the EU itself has chosen as its integrationist battle ground, the areas where the Eurocracy has defined as the key areas where their argument works best, Competition, Energy, Environment and Development. So I take it not in those areas.

We are delighted that so many leading commentators, business people, politicians, activists and young people will be taking part.

I shall report back about how many of these glorious figures actually attend.

It is because we believe the European Union has such an important role to play that we want to assess its strengths and weaknesses and develop a new, positive agenda. Join us in building an EU that we can all be proud of.

Please note, "we believe the European Union has such an important role to play"

It’s time for a new agenda.

David Cameron, Mirek Topolánek

Key speakers will include,Mahi Sideridou, the Deputy Director of Greenpeace Europe and Greenpeace’s EU climate and energy Policy Director.
A recent comment from this fine lady is the following,
"The March Summit will need to rectify the gap between what the EU recognises it must do to protect us from the worse impacts of climate change and what it is prepared to commit to doing now: EU leaders must support a 30% unilateral domestic EU reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020,"

James Cameron of Climate Change Capital.
A comment from a website of which he is the boss comes up with this corker,
"Hey hotshot, do you really need to fly to that meeting? Do you really need to holiday abroad? And those relatives across the world - if they really loved you, wouldn't they move closer?"
What an arrogant tosser.

And then there is the film Black Gold

Essentially, twee and meaningless, the Conference should be a bundle of fun.